About the Authors Elizabeth T. Cooper Elizabeth T. Cooper is a native Mississippian. She holds a Master in the Arts of Teaching from Duke University and a master’s degree in management from the James L. Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. She has spent over 20 years designing and implementing new operating processes for businesses. Robin B. Parker, Ed.D Robin Parker came to the Research and Curriculum Unit in 2001 and now serves as an assistant research professor. She began her professional career with Starkville School District as a middle school teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education, a Master of Science degree in instructional systems, and a doctorate in instructional systems and community college leadership, all from Mississippi State University. Julie Jordan Julie Jordan has more than 25 years of professional experience as a business owner, entrepreneur, teacher, trainer, and manager. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering and education technology from Mississippi State University. Her career began in the private sector working with computer networks before her experience took her into classrooms as a technology coordinator and computer teacher at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. Serving 10 years as a Columbus Municipal School District trustee led her to six years with the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) as director and officer. Jordan has served as the director of the Research and Curriculum Unit since 2010.
Other Contributors Amanda Bolan, Multimedia Specialist Amanda graduated from Austin Peay State University in December of 2007, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. While a student there, she interned with Kentucky New Era Publishing, designing the lifestyle section for their paper. As a member of the Art Honor Society, she produced her own gallery show. After graduation, she worked in photo retouching. In 2009, she relocated to Seattle, WA, where she worked as the lead designer and department head for Emerald Home Furnishings. Bolan has been with the Research and Curriculum Unit since 2011.
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